430 heads

[amfmriv]

So on the 430 heads on the side where the valley pan sits there is an opening right in the middle on top about the size of your thumb, but no cut out opening for it on the valley pan? Is there supposed to be an opening there?

[stubnosebrock]

Im guessing the opening your talking about are the heat exchangers in the heads. It is my understanding that they are mainly just for warming the intake manifold for choke operation. I know if you block them, your choke may not work 100%, but there is also some performance gain to be had for the simple fact that the intake doesn't get as hot. I can say as to why the gaskets you have dont have the openings. Perhaps your gaskets are for a different year engine that did not have the risers, or they were made to block the risers off. Hopefully somebody else will know a bit more.

[amfmriv]

So I have attached a picture of the opening I am referring to. In the blue circle. Is that opening supposed to cut out in the valley pan?

[stubnosebrock]

That opening is the heat riser for sure. I wish i could help you more with the gasket question. Im just starting to learn these engines myself.